PARIS: Rugby was the last thing on Josh Mann-Rea's mind when he was 500 metres underground putting roof bolts and supports in the Illawarra coalmines.

But then again the Wallabies thought they'd never find a 33-year-old goalkicking hooker who's been coached by Gary Ella and was prepared to quit his sporting career to support his family just two years ago.

That's why even though Mann-Rea is one of the most unlikely Wallabies in history and fighting just to get game time on the spring tour of Europe, the veteran hasn't given up on an ambitious World Cup dream.

After the ACT Brumbies rake forced his way into the squad when a hooker injury crisis hit Australia, Mann-Rea is proof that no goal is out of reach. And his unconventional path to the job via the mines to Japan and now to France hasn't dampened his determination.

"It's always good to be known as an international Wallaby, but I'm not ashamed of where I've been and the journey I've taken to get here," Mann-Rea said. "I wouldn't be here without that journey. I'm a pretty basic bloke, being here isn't something I thought would be [on the tour]. I'm not here to make up numbers, I want to show what I've got and there's no better thing than representing your country."

Injuries have opened the most unlikely of doors for Mann-Rea as the journeyman aims to chase a slim World Cup dream. Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Nathan Charles' absence forced the Wallabies to call for hooker reinforcements for the spring tour of Europe.

Mann-Rea is the ninth-ranked hooker in Australia, battling with Saia Fainga'a and James Hanson for game time in Europe, and knows he's been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He was a junior star and was coached by Ella in the Australian under-19s team that toured Europe 14 years ago. He also played in the Australian under-21s team alongside former Test stars Matt Giteau and Mark Gerrard.

But instead of travelling the world, he was putting in roof bolts and looking after roads in the coalmines near Wollongong.

"I think we were about 500-odd metres and about 1.5 kilometres from the top of the escarpment. It can be dangerous … but our seams were pretty high."

Despite his impressive junior roots, he has played just a handful of Super Rugby games and 20 minutes for the Wallabies.

"I didn't play footy for two years, I gave it away … it's almost like I'm the last man standing, I think everyone knows my goal has been to just get game time with the Brumbies," Mann-Rea said. "I wasn't in the best shape [in Japan]. My body feels pretty good, I'm a bit lucky that I haven't played Super Rugby for 10 years, I haven't been bashed. I feel in the best shape I've been in."

Mann-Rea gave up on rugby at the end of 2007 to focus on providing for his family by working in the Wongawilli and Dendrobium mines. A phone call from mates in Japan gave him a career lifeline and he spent two years playing for Kyuden Voltex. Mann-Rea even kicked goals after finishing his scrum and lineout duties.

The NSW Waratahs called next when they were down on hookers in 2012. After that Mann-Rea was ready to retire and return to the mines, but he took a pay cut when the Brumbies came knocking with a $40,000-$50,000 ARU-funded extended player squad contract.

He jokes now that Wallabies rookie Sean McMahon might not have even been born when Mann-Rea was at high school.

Mann-Rea is hopeful of getting game time on the European tour to earn his stripes and put himself in contention for a World Cup-berth next year.

"All the players who haven't played on the tour yet are pretty hungry to get a crack and show what we can do. I'm hoping [for a chance] … every time you get the opportunity to play you try to put a show on," he said.

Spending time away from wife Sam and daughters Emerson, 4, and Avery, 1, has been the toughest adjustment for the hard-working hooker. It's the first time he's been to Europe since he was a talented teenager, but Mann-Rea's hoping he's a Wallabies late bloomer.

"The girls are doing it hard, but it's a great opportunity. Getting another shot at professional sport is amazing. I probably didn't appreciate the first time around, but another shot is amazing. I feel pretty blessed."